Wesley Doak began his tenure as State Librarian in June of 1983. During the 1985-1986 biennium the OSL online catalog was established, with a total of 105,000 titles available for searching online. 1985 also saw the Talking Books Program move to the State Library building, and the beginning of the automation of TBABS patron information.

1986 was a busy year for the State Library. It saw the creation of the Oregon Economic Information Network to promote services to business and industry through academic, public and special libraries. 1986 was also the year the Fujian Provincial Librarian Exchange program was established.

Also in 1986, a study conducted by the architectural firm of Wilson, Bryant, Gunderson, Sieder, PC concluded that a renovation project to improve the State Library Building’s heating and electrical systems, add central air conditioning to the building, modernize office spaces, and improve the loading dock was needed. Monies for these projects were not received until the 1990s.

In 1990, the Library of Congress designated the State Library as the first Center for the Book west of the Mississippi.

In 1991, DAS requested $1,242,272 from the Legislative Assembly as part of the 1991-1993 Capitol Construction Program; the request was approved. Out of these funds a new loading dock was built for Talking Books and the electrical systems were updated.